novelhk Chapter 205: Ideal Prerequisites
Chapter 205: Ideal Prerequisites
Chapter 205: Ideal Prerequisites
Maya bit her lip. If Wang Lin was right, then the factions had no choice. Forcing a ban would be like hindering the will of the Seven. A surefire way to die.
"Calypse Daccantz... Is he going to do something?"
"He already did something," the colonel replied. "Something blatantly foolish, as he's vanished. Elysium's residents are deemed the soldiers of the Seven. The System won't let parasites attack its fighters—weak as they may be. I'd wager he's been conscripted."
Conscripted... Sent to Elysium with no return ticket—except during System events.
"Forgive me if this question is out of line, Colonel, but... Shouldn't a Tier 5 be above this kind of error?" Maya asked. It wasn't advisable to question Tier 5s—true gods—but their superior seemed chatty.
Wang Lin burst into laughter, surprising the two humans. "I guess it's odd for you. Our stats are so high that our vivacity and certain Talents prevent us from making such errors theoretically." Maya perked up. Tier 5s' abilities were seldom discussed.
"In practice, two things can lead us astray," Wang Lin explained. "First, the gap between our Charisma and Willpower. The higher the Charisma, the stronger our emotions. The higher our Willpower, the better we can control these emotions. Memory and Vivacity play a minor role in that."
"Memory?" Maya asked. She'd taken a crash course on the System, but attributes were covered briefly.
Wang Lin added another log to the fireplace before inhaling the silvery smoke. "It's an attribute not to be overlooked as soon as the soul supersedes the brain. You'll learn more if you become a Major or spend your contribution points. Regardless, depending on their build, some Tier 5s tend to succumb easily to their emotions. Karmic manipulators like Daccantz are known for that."
"Like the Sphinxes," Kenzo commented. They'd heard stories about that mythical clan. These usually rational beings were feared for their legendary and immutable tempers.
"Like the Sphinxes," Wang Lin confirmed. "Daccantz would have simply attacked without waiting to confirm Arnold or Priam's location... That seems unlikely. What's possible is that one of his enemies concealed the rivals' location. Half of his possessions were absorbed by a minor god named Viracocha. I believe you know him."
"He was the god behind humanity's Threat," Kenzo spat.
"He must have blessed your Champion and then used that connection to disrupt Daccantz's probes. He protected the System's investments in Elysium while trapping one of his enemies. A cunning fellow."
"The Seven must realize he's been using them!" Kenzo exclaimed before realizing who he was speaking to. "Apologies, Colonel."
Wang Lin smiled, more amused than angry. "It's all right, Kenzo. We Mercenaries are passionate folks. To answer you, the Seven are more or less omniscient; of course, they understand what's happening. However, Viracocha played by the rules. Using the laws of the universe to gain an advantage is a sign of intelligence and is encouraged."
Maya grimaced. Viracocha becoming more powerful thanks to Priam was terrible news. Wang Lin's aura shifted, and she refocused.
"These tidings have made me chatty, but I didn't summon you for that. Your results so far have been exemplary, and your reward is here: a personalized race upgrade."
In addition to honing powerful martial skills, Maya had spearheaded recruitment campaigns on Gaia, the capital of the Hope Sector. Utilizing her charismatic personality and showcasing her skills, she'd convinced over a thousand humans to enlist with the Mercenaries.
"Thank you very much, Colonel," Maya replied, tilting her head. She could feel the Tribulations breathing down her neck, and the new thresholds would allow her to establish a solid Tier 0 foundation. Maya wasn't about to sell her future to speed up her progression. "Have you found a way for us to remain... human?"
Consulting the information provided by the Mercenaries, Maya had discovered numerous rituals and elixirs capable of enhancing the human race. However, these evolutions diluted their humanity. Becoming a half-ogress or replacing her flesh with metal repulsed her. After discussing it with Kenzo, she'd turned down a first free race evolution.
Wang Lin nodded. "The Mercenaries are interested in your racial Talent. Our scientists have collaborated with humans to attempt to purify it during evolution. The first positive result was confirmed this morning."
The Mercenaries didn't bother with bioethics when progress was at stake, but Maya had ensured the test subjects were willing and well-treated. The Mercenaries had improved their genetic code and provided them with rare resources.
"It's encouraging, but isn't it a bit early to offer us a racial Tier up?"
The colonel smiled, revealing teeth capable of chewing steel. "Normally yes, but this evolution isn't unprecedented and has already been validated by the System. A shame because our scientists were counting on the discovery of a new race to achieve an Achievement. Unfortunately, your Champion has already been there."
With a snap of his fingers, the colonel conjured the hologram of a naked man and woman. Their proportions seemed perfectly suited for combat.
"Maya, Kenzo, let me introduce you to the High Human standard."
“I remember the thrill of receiving Achievements left and right,” said the phoenix, a nostalgic tone in its voice.
“I wouldn't mind some tips on earning more,” Priam grinned as he watched the bird descend from the sun of his inner world.
“You know I can't give you that kind of knowledge. Even if I could, there is merit in discovering things for yourself. You're doing just fine; keep pushing your limits and accomplishing feats, and the Achievements will come.”
Priam reclined in the grass near the central pond of Concepts Archipelago. The rays of the miniature sun warmed him, and he smiled. Only a gentle breeze was missing to turn his inner world into a true paradise.
The phoenix landed beside him. "You seem indecisive. Matters of the heart?"
"Pardon?"
"You've got dead cells from a female on your body. With your flame coat, the only way that could happen is if your skins came into contact."
"We—" Priam paused. Throughout his conversation with Esmée, he'd worn his mist and flame coat. The magical garment—in his opinion—was quite stylish, but he was essentially naked underneath. And I offered her my arm. I hope she didn't take me for a pervert...
"Everything was going fine until you pointed out that I might need to buy clothes for certain occasions," Priam grimaced. "But I'm indecisive about something else. I received a Revelation Token, and I'm not sure how to use it," Priam admitted.
"What rarity?"
"Epic."
"Not bad. What are you torn between?" explained his current dilemma to the phoenix. He didn't want to squander such an interesting reward.
"Do you really think there's no chance I can reach an ideal upgrade with [Aether Manipulation]?" Priam asked.
"None. I know the prerequisites, and there's at least one you won't be able to achieve quickly. Elysium is a land of opportunity, but you're too constrained by time."
It was bad news for Priam. The Phoenix Prince had been aware of the prerequisites but hadn't managed to unlock the ideal upgrade.
"You're talking about mastering Aether manipulation? I have the option to purchase puzzles at the Auctions. I thought of solving them and then reselling to buy more. By spending my Potential, my mastery will increase rapidly."
"That's a good idea, but I was referring to more... absolute prerequisites," the phoenix grimaced.
Priam pondered the various prerequisites he'd encountered. Some required mastery of Concepts or Supremacies, while others demanded feats or experiences. Fire Champion Physique even had demands concerning his bloodlines.
Domain IIMeta(Affinity)(evolved) > 1,000.Meta(Focus)(evolved) > 1,000.Meta(Endurance)(evolved) > 1,000.Advanced mastery of Aether (click for details).
"But will they increase my learning speed?"
"Not as much as certain mental attributes."
This sounded like a new clue, and Priam pondered. Memory to gain a sort of muscle memory for aether manipulation? Willpower to focus on a task? Vivacity to understand faster? Charisma if the evolution allows to charm aether?
"One more question for the Guardian of Secrets," Priam sighed before sitting cross-legged. "The high upgrade won't unlock on its own. Esmée gave me some exercises to increase my ability to manipulate aether. Might as well start now."
The phoenix perched on his shoulder, its warmth heating Priam's cheek. Without [Fire Champion Physique], his skin would have melted in moments.
"Before meditating, you should prepare your environment," it advised. "It'll save you precious time. You have two advantages compared to me. First, Elysium: the aether is dense and pure... Well, when the Necromoon's not around. Log-a-rhythm filters the aether, and so does Concepts Archipelago. In your inner world, every second of training is as useful as a minute on Gaia."
After several days of siphoning, the density of aether in Concepts Archipelago was close to that in Elysium.
"Gaia?" Priam didn't recognize the name.
"The capital of the Hope Sector and where I trained when I was young," the phoenix replied. "Your second advantage is Concepts Archipelago. Don't forget, your Talent can absorb Concept fragments to modify the environment."
"Do you have something in mind?"
"It depends on the fragments sold by the Sun Shop. For example, a Logic fragment could infuse the Concept into a delimited area. Anything that enters will see its logic buffed. Concentration, Patience, Tranquility, etc., you can fill your gaps and strengthen your strong points in this world."
"Is there a limit?"
"That's for you to find out."
Priam's eyes sparkled as he opened the Sun Shop. It was finally time to exploit the main asset of his inner world.
Status:
PHYSICAL:
Strength 557
Constitution 860
Agility 552
Vitality 840
Perception 714
MENTAL:
Vivacity 509
Dexterity 587
Memory 441 (+4)
Willpower 1 028
Charisma 631
META:
Meta-affinity 524 (+4)
Meta-focus 350
Meta-endurance 354
Meta-perception 221
Meta-chance 230
Meta-authority 51 (+3)
Potential: 9 979 (+3)
Tier 0
Sun points: 318 892 (+469)
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: PRIMED.
[Tribulation]: Three Tribulations pending.Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 164 days 17 hours 12 minutes 7 seconds.
Next thresholds: 6 attributes > 600 / 3 attributes > 900 / 1 attribute > 1 200